BitDefender Internet Security 2017

Still the best.

Although it has been knocked off the top of the antimalware performance ranking in the most recent AV-Test benchmarks, BitDefender remains our top choice suite for 2016/2017.

The most recent version, 2017, hasn’t added much — the only new thing is an updated interface and the Wi-Fi security advisor, a tool that warns you if you’re on an insecure public or private Wi-Fi network. However, the feature set of BitDefender remains pretty incredible.

The suite includes all your regular features — firewall, anti-spam and antimalware, but that’s just the beginning. There’s an actually useful website checker, system optimiser, secure browser, password manager, file shredder and application update checker.

In 2016, it introduced ransomware protection, which let you lock files and directories to prevent deletion by ransomware. There’s also the excellent parental control systems, which come close to those provided by Symantec, including cloud management of access on multiple devices and the ability to trigger malware scans on devices attached to the licence.

We’ve found that BitDefender has one of the best malware removal systems thanks to a rescue mode, where it reboots the system into a special mode to remove rootkits.

BitDefender also offers several other options for buyers — Total Security Multi-Device; Family Pack; and an installation service for $90, where a BitDefender technician will remote desktop to your PC to set up the suite for you.

Verdict

Excellence across the board.